FIFA has officially approved Iran's request to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following concerns surrounding logistics, travel restrictions and visa-related complications. The decision was confirmed by Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), after a series of meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul and a follow-up confirmation webinar.
Why Iran requested the relocation
According to Iranian football authorities, the move was primarily driven by practical and logistical challenges linked to operating directly from the United States during the tournament. One of the major factors behind the request was the desire to avoid potential visa and travel complications for players, staff and support personnel entering the US. By setting up camp in Tijuana, Iran can reportedly simplify travel arrangements while also taking advantage of direct flights operated by Iran Air.
Tijuana's location also offers a strategic advantage. Situated just south of the US border near San Diego, the city provides relatively quick access to Iran's group-stage venues in the United States. Flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take less than an hour, significantly reducing travel time compared to the team's original training base in Tucson, Arizona.
Iran's 2026 World Cup group-stage schedule
Despite shifting their base camp to Mexico, Iran will still play all of their Group G matches inside the United States:
- June 15: vs New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium
- June 21: vs Belgium national football team at SoFi Stadium
- June 26: vs Egypt national football team at Lumen Field
Political tensions continue around Iran's participation
The relocation decision comes amid growing political sensitivities surrounding Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Earlier this month, Canada denied entry to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress, reportedly citing alleged ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.
Despite the controversy, Iranian football officials have insisted that Team Melli will compete in the tournament. In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, the FFIRI stated: "We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account." The federation also emphasized that Iran would participate "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions."
